dog licks carpet

[beagle11]

my dog ALWAYS licks the carpet.. i dont get it! anyone have any tips or tricks to get her to stop??? it is quite annoying!

[erykah1310]

Sorry no tips or pointers, but I can feel your frustration/ annoyance.
I had a Rottie a few years back who did this too.
Gets very annoying.
Good luck hope you find some answers

[kathryn]

I dunno, spray the rug with vinegar or lemon juice? I don't know if that would hurt the rug though

Um, is the dog damaging the rug, or just driving you crazy?

[Chaser]

Not entirely sure as to the why of it....but it sounds like an obsessive behaviour that could use some redirection. Try interrupting your dog when he does it. Call his name or clap your hands, then direct him to play with a toy or something more appropriate. Praise him when he engages in the new activity. Increased exercise may also help....tired dogs have less obsessive energy!

[Bina]

I had an Airedale who used to lick the floor. With him it was stress related....the more nervous or upset he was, the more he licked. It helps to have a calm, quiet house environment and to keep them exercised enough so that they are tired out when indoors and will sleep well. Make sure there are no powders or sprays on the carpet.

[Bina]

Chase, we posted at the same time with the same thoughts....LOL

[Chaser]

Originally Posted by Bina

Chase, we posted at the same time with the same thoughts....LOL

[Syren]

I noticed the "beagle" in your name and wonder if that's the kind of dog you have licking your carpet. I've recently acquired a beagle and she also licks the carpet, blankets, clothing, people, lots of odd things really. I asked my vet about this when we had shots done and he said she was healthy. His most likely explanation is that being a beagle she smells everything all the time, which is absolutely true. They are hounds and they have a sense of smell a lot better than many other breeds. In his experience he had noticed owners complaining of this in beagles. Since they smell so well they often times sniff out things that haven't been there in quite a while. If there was a piece of food dropped there weeks ago she might still smell it and begin licking. Not necessarily what's going on with your dog, but just another idea of what might cause it.

[angieandmilo]

i read somewhere that they do this due to vitamin and mineral diffeceincy. not sure how true this is, but i have confirmation that human babies will eat paper and lick rocks if they are iron defficeint (my daughter did it)